The former Major Leaguer pitched a shutout on Friday night at Barbagallo Ballpark in Thornlie to guide the Heat to a 3-0 victory over the Melbourne Aces.

Vasquez performed strongly through nine innings, sending down 118 pitches and giving up just three hits.

It was Vasquez’s second ABL win of the season, after he claimed victory in Game 1 of the Heat’s opening series against the Adelaide Bite.

"The first pitch strikes worked really well for me," Vasquez said.

"With (catcher Allan de San Miguel) back there, I really don't have to think as a pitcher. He's a great hitter and he really understood what the Aces were thinking.

"He called the game all night, as I only shook him off twice, but even then I was questioning myself.

"The Aces are a tough team. They have a strong line up of Aussie bats, but we have a strong team as well and the three runs would be all we would need thankfully."

The Heat remained unbeaten after four games of the 2012-13 season since beating the Aces in last season’s Grand Final series.

Perth managed just eight hits of its own on Friday, due mainly to a strong start from Melbourne’s starting pitcher Kevin Reese. But de San Miguel’s fly ball to centre field at the bottom of the fourth innings allowed runners Luke Hughes and Carter Bell to score, giving the Heat a 2-0 lead.

Hughes had set up the scoring play, having stolen second base while Tim Kennelly was at bat.

The Heat appeared set to extend the margin significantly in the eighth inning, but failed to consolidate on their opportunity. However, Bell batted in Adam Melker on third base with a ground ball to Aces shortstop Aaron Sayers.

The Heat were left with runners in scoring positions, but a Josh McGee pop-up to second base ended the innings.

Vasquez kept the Aces scoreless in the ninth inning, meaning the home side did not need to bat again.

Game 3 against the Aces starts at Barbagallo Ballpark today at 4.05pm. Scott Mitchinson is expected to start for the Heat and will be hoping to improve from his first-up outing, against the Adelaide Bite in Game 3 of the series.

The veteran started and pitched five innings, giving up five hits and three runs in a winning team.